The Pine River is one of our favorite streams; it's a National Scenic River and requires watercraft permits for the bulk of the summer paddling season. We have arranged to get free permits for everyone, courtesy of the rangers who appreciate our efforts. They will also provide free vehicle permits, and the kind folks at Pine River Paddlesports Center will give us a free shuttle.

Since this outing will take place right after the Fourth of July weekend, we might have our work cut out for us, although every time we clean the Pine, we have to hunt harder to find the debris left by canoeists who have tipped over. We plan to make a full day affair of a trip that normally takes only three hours. Hopefully the temperature will be high enough so that diving for loose pop cans will be refreshing. This trip will give you a chance to practice precise maneuvering skills in your boat, but it is not a trip for beginning paddlers. If you’ve never paddled the Pine, and would like a guide, here’s your chance. If you’ve paddled it as much as we have, here’s the opportunity to give back and leave it cleaner than we found it.

The Pine has exceptionally clear water, and is one of the prettiest rivers in northern Michigan. We will paddle for a couple of hours, then take a break for lunch, and continue on downstream picking up debris as we go. It would be best to bring a boat that turns easily, as well as a "grabber stick". We will bring large trash bags; please bring some small ones.

Details about exact meeting time will be sent to all registrants with your e-mail confirmation. In the meantime, you can click on "Registrants" to see who else is coming; feel free to use that list to set up carpools.